• Any starter does NOT have to complete Mandatory Play (MP) immediately, as long as he does so before game ends. See example A.
• All non-starters must complete MP before they are removed. See example B.
• A regulation game shortened by weather, 10-run rules, etc. means that all MP requirements are thrown out for that game. An injury to a player also supersedes the MP rule.
• Once two players (in same batting slot) have completed their MP, they may be used interchangeably for the rest of the game. See example C.

• A STARTING PITCHER may not be removed until he has faced one batter--therefore you cannot pinch-hit for him in top of first inning. See Example D.
• If you pinch-hit for a starting pitcher, he cannot return to pitch that game
• ANY pitcher replaced physically on the mound may not pitch again in that game
• You MAY pinch-hit for a relief pitcher ONCE during a game and enable that pitcher to return to the mound. See example E.

EXAMPLES:

A: Starting F6 Brian is due up third in the top of the first. Coach substitutes non-starter Otis to pinch hit for him before Brian even takes the field. LEGAL. Brian must complete his MP before the game ends.

B: Follow example A. In bottom of first, coach wants to put Brian in at F6. ILLEGAL. Otis was a non-starter, so he must immediately play 3 outs on defense.

C: Stanley starts at F2, batting fourth. He completes MP after one full inning. Theo comes in to replace Stanley. Theo completes his MP after two full innings. For the rest of the game, coach wants Stanley to play F2 on defense and have Theo bat fourth. LEGAL.

D: The Gnats are visitors and their ace Pugsley is listed as the starting pitcher, batting sixth. In the top of the first, coach wants sub Jasper to bat for Pugsley. ILLEGAL. Since Pugsley is the starting pitcher, he must go into the field and face one batter. If Jasper were allowed to pinch-hit for him, Jasper would have to enter the game on defense in bottom 1, creating a conflict.

E: Axel is the starting pitcher for the visiting Weasels. Bobo starts at F3. Both players complete MP. In the third inning, coach subs Casey in for Bobo. Casey completes MP during the third. In the fourth inning. Bobo moves to pitcher. In top fifth, coach pinch-hits Casey for Bobo. In bottom fifth, coach re-enters Bobo at pitcher. LEGAL.